Three Isle of Wight residents are celebrating this evening, after the New Year’s Honours were announced.
Peter Jardine, a Volunteer, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, was honoured with an MBE for his services to Heritage Railway.
Masterminded the restoration of the line’s iconic Victorian carriages
Pete is a long-standing volunteer and employee at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway who has masterminded the restoration of the line’s iconic Victorian carriages. Back in the 1970s, the Railway started collecting grounded carriage bodies from across the Island where they had seen use as beach huts, garden chalets and farm stores.
In the 1981, Pete and his team of volunteers started work on the first of these – IWR 46, which had originally been built for the North London Railway in 1864. When it entered service in 1986, it was rightly celebrated for the quality of its restoration.
Award-winning restoration
Over the last 40 years, Pete has led the complete restoration of nine carriages, winning many Heritage Railway Association awards along the way. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway now has a magnificent rake of Victorian 4-wheeled carriage, recreating a bygone era of rail travel on the Island.
Pete can still be found working in the carriage and wagon workshop on most days, his main focus being the next Oldbury carriage – IWR First 21.
Backhouse: Pete’s contribution is truly immense
Steve Backhouse, General Manager at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway said,
“Pete’s contribution to the Railway, and the wider heritage railway movement, is truly immense.
“With a team of volunteers, Pete has spearheaded the restoration of our Victorian carriages, which are rightly lauded for their historical significance, and the pleasure that they bring to our passengers.
“The award of an MBE is apt recognition of his skill, hard-work and dedication over many years.”
More honours
Volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer, Martin Rayner, was awarded with an Order of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his service to Maritime Safety.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said,
“Martin Rayner, who signed up as an Auxiliary Coastguard on 17th April, 1980, went on to play a key role in more than 2,000 rescues on the Isle of Wight, quickly becoming a vital part of the service and an inspiration to others.
“31st December was Martin’s final day with HM Coastguard, but his service will not be forgotten, ending with the bestowal of a British Empire Medal (BEM).”
Martin said,
“I’m really humbled. My father was in the service before me so between us we have been a part of the Coastguard family for around 70 years.”
During the great storm of 1987, Martin was among the first to hear a call to mobilise from Solent Coastguard. He then spent the day helping people with the Ventnor team.
Years later, in 2014, he was still dedicated and part of another historic response – this time to evacuate homes at risk from a landslip on Undercliff Drive between Niton and St Lawrence.
An ever-present, Martin also loved passing on his knowledge in training, as well as representing the service at Ventnor carnivals and by laying a wreath in Ventnor Park for Remembrance every year.
Other honours
Former Isle of Wight councillor, Jon Gilbey, also received an Order of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community in Shanklin.
Congratulations to you all.
Article edit
9.55am 31st Dec 2022 – Additional detail added about Pete Jardine
4.51pm 2nd Jan 2023 – Additional detail added about Martin Rayner
Image: olia danilevich under CC BY 2.0
